As her senior season at LSU inches towards its end with the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Flau'jae Johnson opened up about her final collegiate run.

Speaking to Sole Retriever, Johnson (22) weighed in on everything that she has been feeling, while also letting them in on the story behind her first official Puma PE release.

“It’s a sense of urgency this year that feels different," Flau'jae Johnson said. "Last year, it was like ‘I’ve got another year,’ but now? It’s over with. It’s a different type of feeling."

That shift in mindset has clearly shaped how she’s approaching every game. And with this being her last season, Johnson really is making it count.

Her dominant run against Texas women's basketball on Sunday stands as a testament to it; she put up 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, helping the LSU Tigers women's basketball reach the Sweet 16 after scoring 44 points across two tournament games.

Moreover, as the only remaining player from LSU’s 2023 title team and a projected first-round WNBA pick, Flau'jae Johnson further received a standing ovation in an emotional final home game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The moment became even more powerful when she nearly fell into the arms of head coach Kim Mulkey, who was visibly emotional while subbing her out for the final time on that court.

Flau’jae Johnson Opens Up After Emotional LSU Exit

After her senior season ended in Baton Rouge, Flau'jae Johnson got emotional and admitted, “I lost it. I knew I was going to lose it but I was holding strong,”

Head Coach Kim Mulkey was having the feels as well, praising Johnson’s loyalty, especially in a time when players often move between programs.

She highlighted how Johnson stayed committed and made a real impact on the community, adding, “I was trying not to cry.”

Fellow senior Izzy Besselman was also moved while reflecting on Johnson’s journey. “I got a little teary-eyed. Just a testament to how hard she’s worked and how much she’s given this university and this program. She deserves every bit of recognition,” the LSU Tiger guard said.

With that said, the newly ratified CBA in the WNBA will provide larger salaries for top draft picks, benefiting elite talents like Flau'jae Johnson as she prepares to advance her career.

What do you think of Flau'jae Johnson's run in the March Madness tournament? Let us know!

Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Arvind Rao